Raise Your Dad’s Spirits This Father’s Day With Cocktails

Spend quality time with pops this Father’s Day by popping open a bottle and pouring some dad-centric cocktails featuring New York Distilling Company (nydistilling.com), Portobello Road Gin (www.portobelloroadgin.com), Knappogue Whiskey (www.knappoguewhiskey.com) and County Restaurant (countynyc.com). Since spirited dads each have their go-to liquor and cocktail of choice, we rounded up the perfect cocktail and spirit to fit their personality. Since Father’s Day and the First Day of Summer coincide, what better way to beat the heat and celebrate the “man of the hour” then with a refreshing summer cocktail. Cheers!

New York Distilling Company: Mister Katz’s Rock & Rye

Distilled and bottled in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Mister Katz’s Rock & Rye is an original recipe developed by New York Distillery Company’s Co-Founder and spirits expert Allen Katz. Made popular in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s, this “age of old” spirit begins with a youthful rye then tempered with rock candy sugar, dried cherries, cinnamon and orange peel- lending itself as a great addition to cocktails or enjoyed solely on its own.

The juice itself is a great gift, but here’s a recipe for a cocktail that’s currently served at The Shanty in Williamsburg.

For the Rye-Drinking Dad: The “Big Iron” cocktail, created by Nate Dumas takes on a similarity to the classic old-fashioned cocktail. Mister Katz’s replaces the sugar component in the classic version in addition hints of spice and citrus.

Recipe: Big Iron

• 2 oz MISTER KATZ’S ROCK & RYE

• 1 dash Angostura Bitters

• 1 dash Orange Bitters

Combine ingredients in an old-fashioned glass. Stir over a large ice cube.

Portobello Road Gin:

Recently launched in the United States, the new London dry gin from Portobello Road Gin was developed and distilled in London by the team of experts behind the famed Portobello Star.
On the front of the palate Portobello Road Gin has a generous slug of juniper, the mid palate has a sustained, fresh citrus character from the use of lemon, bitter orange and coriander, which then develops into a sweet peppery finish, which is achieved by the use of licorice and nutmeg, while cassia bark, also called super cinnamon, lends a sweet spice note that enables the drier elements to shine through.

For the Gin-Drinking Dad: Tom Collins’ is a staple when it comes to gin cocktails. Always light and refreshing, a Portobello Road Gin Tom Collins highlights the quintessential botanicals along with subtle notes of licorice and nutmeg – making for a perfect Father’s Day drink.

Recipe: Tom Collins on Portobello Road served at Evelyn Drinkery in New York City

• 1 oz Portobello Road Gin

• 3/4 oz Lemon Juice

• 1 oz Sugar Syrup

• Top Soda

Serve in a high ball over ice. Garnish with lemon.

Knappogue Whiskey: Castle Twin Wood 16 year

Following in the great tradition of sherry cask-aged Knappogue Castle 1951 – the oldest and rarest known Irish whiskey – single malt Irish whiskeys of Knappogue Castle are distilled three times in traditional copper pot stills and then placed in bourbon casks and aged. Knappogue Twin Wood bottlings are so named because whiskeys spend time in two types of wood. The Twin Wood is aged for 14 years in bourbon barrels, resulting in a spirit that is deep, complex, and very smooth, with a fruity nose and dusty dark chocolate and woody vanilla notes.

For the Whiskey-Drinking Dad:Sometimes a exceptional glass of whiskey on ice does the trick- no recipe necessary. The Twin Wood 16 year ($100) will sure leave an lasting impression as a gift for dad.

County Restaurant:

Located in the hustle and bustling neighborhood of the Flatiron District lies the hidden gem, County. County brings local, seasonal and market fresh fare and products, prepared by Executive Chef, Jon Feshan, to New York City in a warm and familiar setting, surrounded by reposted barn siding lit by festive carnival lights. County welcomes locals to unwind at its bar with tantalizing libations, diverse beers and International wine selections.

For the Bourbon-Drinking Dad: County gives the classic Old Fashioned cocktail an extra something with the use of muddled candied ginger. The candied ginger provides a spicy competent with a hint of sweetness.